How to attract and integrate international professionals

Industry 4.0. The shortage of skilled workers is forcing many companies to look for staff beyond national borders. This is bringing talent from abroad more into focus. But how can they be successfully recruited and integrated?

This article is part of the special topic Digital Crafts

The search for qualified employees no longer ends at the German border: International talents and refugees often bring little language knowledge, but all the more motivation and skills that enrich craft businesses.To specifically target these groups, specialized job boards such as Workeer.de as well as international placement services gaining in importance.

Multilingual websites as a door opener

When attracting these international talents, the digital presence of one's own company plays a central role: Multilingual career pages significantly improve understanding for all non-German professionals.. Automatic translations can be helpful, but they must be professionally reviewed and culturally adapted to avoid misunderstandings. Clear information about tasks, qualifications, remuneration and procedures provides orientation and lowers the barriers to applying.. Simple application processes that do not require extensive documentation and work seamlessly on any smartphone are also particularly helpful.

Important: Companies that want to attract international professionals should consider from the outset how rapid integration can be achieved.A structured onboarding process, designated contacts within the company, and transparent information about housing, transportation, and local services facilitate the start. Equally important is the... Support in dealing with authorities, visa procedures and recognition processes.Companies that offer comprehensive guidance in this area increase the likelihood that new employees will stay long-term.

Overcoming language barriers digitally

Especially in the first few months, digital tools can significantly simplify everyday work: translation apps, multilingual messengers or collaborative platforms support communication on construction sites and in workshops.

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To explain technical terms in an understandable way, it helps Visual work instructions, digital checklists and industry-specific glossariesThis creates a working environment in which teammates with limited German language skills can contribute productively from the start.

Continuous development

Craftsmen gain a competitive advantage, if they understand the recruitment of international specialists not as a one-off challenge, but as an ongoing processTherefore, companies benefit from regularly checking which channels best reach international applicants, how long the integration process takes, and which measures are particularly effective.

Employee feedback also provides valuable insights for continuously improving processes – and thus remaining an attractive employer for international talent in the long term.Apps for multilingual teamsdeepl.com & translate.google.com; itranslate.com & microsoft.com/de-de/translator; business.whatsapp.com & chat.google.com, slack.com & microsoft.com/de-de/microsoft-teamsDHB now also digital!Simply click here and register for the digital German Crafts Journal (DHB)!